ASEAN Push for Repatriation of Myanmar Scam Center Victims Amid a Growing Human Trafficking Crisis
Maham Mian, Co-Director, South East Asia Affairs - 3/31/25
Image Source: NPR
Thailand is actively collaborating with international partners to repatriate thousands of individuals rescued from scam centers operating along the Thai-Myanmar border. These scam centers, run by transnational criminal networks, have been implicated in human trafficking and forced labor. Their activities involve the exploitation of thousands of victims from various countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and China. The escalating crisis has drawn international attention, prompting urgent responses from regional governments and humanitarian organizations.
In a significant crackdown, authorities from Thailand, Myanmar, and China dismantled numerous scam operations in Myanmar’s eastern district of Myawaddy, rescuing an estimated 7,000 individuals from nearly 30 countries. These victims were subjected to forced labor in online scam centers, enduring harsh conditions, and in some cases, torture. Many of the rescued individuals were coerced into running fraudulent online schemes targeting unsuspecting victims worldwide.
The rescued individuals are currently housed in camps administered by armed groups operating along the border, awaiting repatriation. Thailand has been working closely with embassies and foreign governments to facilitate their return. In one of the largest coordinated efforts, Indonesia has begun repatriating over 500 of its citizens, while other nations such as Malaysia and Vietnam are also undergoing arrangements for their affected nationals.
The Thai government in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies has pledged to continue efforts to dismantle the remaining scam syndicates and provide aid to victims. However, the process of repatriation is proving to be lengthy and complex. Many victims lack proper documentation, making it difficult to verify their identities. Additionally, the remote and often unstable regions where these scam centers are located pose logistical challenges. Some victims remain stranded in Myanmar, unable to return home due to ongoing security concerns and a lack of diplomatic channels between certain countries and Myanmar’s military led rulership.
Another pressing issue is the psychological trauma experienced by the rescued individuals. Many victims report physical abuse, forced isolation, and threats to their families back home. As part of the repatriation process, governments and NGOs are providing counseling, medical aid, and reintegration programs to help victims recover and reintegrate back into society.
Despite ongoing efforts, scam operations continue to persist along the Thai-Myanmar border. The authorities estimate that up to 100,000 individuals may still be trapped. Criminal networks have adapted their operations by shifting locations and using social media to recruit new victims under false pretenses, often luring them with promises of high-paying jobs in IT and customer service sectors.
Given the scale of the crisis, international cooperation is crucial in combating these illicit networks and operations. ASEAN has called for stronger border security measures and intelligence sharing among member countries. Additionally, global tech firms are being urged to take greater responsibility in detecting and shutting down scam operations that rely on online platforms for fraudulent activities.
While there has been significant progress from Thailand and its partners in rescuing individuals, long-term solutions will require sustained multilateral efforts, stricter law enforcement measures, and enhanced victim support programs. Addressing the root causes of these scam operations, improving labor protections, and fostering more regional accountability will be crucial in dismantling these networks and ensuring a safer future for vulnerable individuals.